Reflex sight having modular hood

ABSTRACT

A target sight system includes a base portion with a gun-mounting interface allowing the sight to be firmly fastened to a shooting device. The base also includes a power supply, a target light generator, and a light-passing surface through which the target light passes between the target light generator and a target. The sight system also includes a cover that is detachably removable from the base portion. The cover includes an accessory, which may be a sunshade, optic, filter, or a cover that at least partially covers the base portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/796,022, filed Jan. 23, 2019, entitled REFLEX SIGHT HAVING MODULAR HOOD, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Reflex type gun sights provide a shooter a quick and easy way to sight a target compared to conventional iron sights. Reflex sights can be open-type, which typically include only a single lens, or closed type, which typically include at least two lenses enclosed by a tube. Generally, shooters may prefer an open reflex sight when targeting in low light conditions, and a closed reflex sight when in brighter conditions, although various shooters may prefer either type in various situations. It is relatively difficult, however, to change from one reflex type to the other, as changing reflex sights generally requires removing the installed sight from the gun and re-installing the other type. Further, reflex sights are generally battery powered, but changing batteries requires a tool, such as a screwdriver, which are not always available in the field. Sometimes shooters leave reflex sights in the powered state, even when not in use, which increases the speed at which the batteries are depleted.

Embodiments of the invention address these and other limitations of the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective line diagram that illustrates an example of an open reflex sight including a battery drawer that needs no tools to open, according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 1 illustrating the battery drawer in a closed position.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 1, including a partial cutaway section illustrating components of the open reflex sight that allow the battery drawer to be accessed without tools.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 1 and also illustrating a compact shroud ready to be mounted to the sight.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 1 illustrating the compact shroud in a partially mounted position.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 1 illustrating the compact shroud in a fully mounted position.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 1 illustrating a separate rear window that is mountable to the sight.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 1 illustrating the separate rear window in a mounted position.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 9 illustrating a full sized shroud in a partially mounted position.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 9 illustrating the full sized shroud in a fully mounted position.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective line diagram of the open reflex sight of FIG. 11 in which the full sized shroud is fully mounted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 are rear perspective line diagram that illustrates an example of an open reflex sight including a battery drawer that needs no tools to open, in an open and closed position, respectively. Unlike typical sights that require tools to open a battery compartment, embodiments of the invention include a manually operated push button mechanism, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Pressing the button on the mechanism releases a catch in the battery drawer, which may include a spring to urge the drawer opening. In operation, the shooter presses the button on the mechanism, which causes a slot in the button shaft to align with a retaining pin on the battery drawer. When the retaining pin aligns with the slot, the spring force causes the battery drawer to open.

In some embodiments, the battery drawer may be a molded polymer, and includes an integrated metal retaining pin. The retaining pin may be press-fit or otherwise mounted to the drawer. The button may likewise be made of polymer and, as illustrated in FIG. 3, includes a button shaft, which may be metal. The metal shaft may be held into the button with a steel spring pin. The button and shaft are installed into the housing and held in place by a steel cross pin. The area of the shaft where the cross pin holds it into the housing is elongated so the button can be depressed and advance the shaft. Also as illustrated in FIG. 3, a compression spring is placed at the distal end of the shaft and applies an outward force to the button. In the resting position the battery drawer is held in place. Further, since the shaft is held in place by the cross pin, the button assembly cannot come out of the housing. The button shaft may also include a slot cut into it that retains the battery drawer, such as by retaining the drawer retaining pin. When the user depresses the button and overcomes the force of the compression spring, the retaining portion of the slot in the shaft advances to an opening. When the opening in the shaft aligns with the retaining pin of the drawer, the drawer is no longer retained by its pin, and therefore the drawer opens to reveal the battery.

Closing the drawer may include the user depressing the button while the drawer is manually pressed closed, after which the button is released, thus retaining the drawer. In other embodiments, the battery drawer or other component may include an angled or sloped surface or projection that automatically retracts the button as the user manually closes the drawer.

Embodiments of the invention may also include one or more modular shrouds, which may be installed and removed by the shooter.

FIG. 5 illustrates a compact shroud ready to be mounted to the sight. The compact shroud includes a bar that is sized and shaped to engage with a slot or groove located on a lower part of the sight. First, the user aligns the bar with the slot as illustrated in FIG. 6. Then the user rotates the free end of the compact shroud toward the firearm to the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The compact shroud may be then secured with one or more fasteners, such as a screw or pin to retain the shroud in place. In other embodiments the shroud may be somewhat flexible and include one or more projections that align with one or more recesses in the sight mount. As the user rotates the compact shroud into position, the projections snap into place, held by the rigidity of the shroud material. Once mounted, the compact shroud is in position to partially cover the reflex sight, providing mechanical protection as well as blocking some of the light from entering the sight.

In other embodiments the reflex sight according to embodiments of the invention include an installable rear window, effectively converting the open reflex sight of FIG. 1 into a closed reflex sight.

FIG. 8 illustrates a separate rear window that is mountable to the sight, that, when mounted, converts the open reflex sight of FIG. 1 into a closed reflex sight. In this embodiment the rear window has an overmolded gasket. When installed, the gasket seals the back of the open sight, turning it into an enclosed reflex sight. As described above, some shooters prefer closed sights to open ones. After the rear window has been installed, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a full sized shroud may be installed to cover the enclosed reflex sight, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. The full sized shroud installs in the same manner as the compact shroud described above.

As described above, one problem with conventional reflex sights is that their batteries deplete, especially when the reflex sight is unintentionally illuminated. For example, if the reflex sight includes a sliding on/off switch, and the shooter leaves the switch in the ON position while the firearm is stored, the battery may deplete unnecessarily. Embodiments of the invention may include either a Hall Effects sensor, or a reed switch, either of which may change states while in the presence of a magnetic field. So, when a reflex sight including such a sensor or switch is placed in a magnetic field, the switch automatically turns the reflex sight OFF, thus conserving battery power. The reflex sight may be stored in a box having magnets mounted therein, thus providing the magnetic field. In such a manner, when the reflex sight is stored in the box, the Hall Effects sensor or reed switch automatically turns the reflex sight OFF. In other embodiments, a magnet or magnetic mesh may be incorporated into a holster. In this manner, when the firearm including the reflex sight is within the holster, the reflex sight is powered down. Conversely, when the firearm including the reflex sight is removed from the holster, the Hall Effects sensor or reed switch is removed from the magnetic field and power to the reflex sight is automatically restored.

This written description makes reference to particular features. It is to be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of those particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in the context of other aspects.

Although specific aspects of the disclosure have been illustrated and described for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A target sight system, comprising: a base portion having a gun-mounting interface, the base also including a power supply, a target light generator, and a light-passing surface through which the target light passes between the target light generator and a target; and a cover detachably removable from the base portion, the cover including an accessory.
 2. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the accessory is a sunshade.
 3. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the accessory comprises an optic.
 4. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the accessory comprises a filter.
 5. The target sight system according to claim 1, in which the accessory comprises a cover that at least partially covers the base portion. 